Sweet Cherries Grades and Standards

Grades of Sweet Cherries

  1. U.S. Grades No.1 consists of sweet cherries which meet the following requirements:
    1. Similar varietal characteristics;
    2. Mature;
    3. Fairly well colored;
    4. Well formed; and
    5. Clean.
    6. Free from:
      1. Decay;
      2. Insect larvae or holes caused by them;
      3. Soft, overripe or shriveled;
      4. Undeveloped doubles; and,
      5. Sunscald.
    7. Free from damage by any other cause. 
    8. Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each cherry shall be not less than three-fourths inch. The maximum diameter of the cherries in any lot may be specified in accordance with the facts.
    9. For tolerances see §51.2648.
  2. U.S. Commercial consists of sweet cherries which meet the requirements for the U.S. No. 1 grade except for minimum diameter and except for increased tolerances.
    1. Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each cherry shall be not less than five-eighths inch. The maximum diameter of the cherries in any lot may be specified in accordance with the facts.
    2. For tolerances see §51.2648.

Visual Aids

Official Visual Aids are available for Purchase.  See How to Purchase Visual Aids for more details.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: